Feb. 1, 2012

For Immediate Release

For More Information:
Port of Bellingham, Carolyn Casey (360) 676-2500

Bellwether Gate LLC, David Ebenal (360)319-0898

New Bellwether Building under Construction

(Bellingham, Wash.)Work has begun on another office building at the Port of Bellingham’s Bellwether on the Bay™ development. The private developer, Bellwether Gate LLC., is constructing its third building in this popular waterfront development.

The two-story, 10,000-square-foot office building will be located between Anthony’s at Squalicum Harbor restaurant and the largest Bellwether Gate Building, which is home to CH2M HILL’s local offices. The anchor tenant for this new building will be Wells Fargo.

“We are pleased to be building a third project in the very successful Bellwether on the Bay™ development,” said David Ebenal, owner of Bellwether Gate LLC. “We value our partnership with the Port of Bellingham.”

Bellingham Gate LLC was formed by Ebenal in 2006. He estimated that about 30 construction and trades workers would be employed on this project.

Port Commission President Scott Walker said Bellwether on the Bay™ is a local example of the economic value of public/private partnerships on the waterfront.

“It is great to see continued development in our Bellwether project during these difficult economic times,” Walker said. “Our public/private partnership with Bellwether Gate is an excellent example of how we can develop our waterfront.”

The peninsula itself was created by the port from material that was dredged to build a moorage expansion for Squalicum Harbor. Since then the port has invested $5.5 million in infrastructure development and nearly $13 million in buildings and parking. Private developers and the US Coast Guard have invested approximately $51 million at Bellwether on the Bay™, including this new building.

Today about 40 businesses operate at Bellwether on the Bay™, directly employing more than 725 people.

Bellwether Gate LLC. has a long-term land lease with the Port of Bellingham for four building sites. The company is scheduled to begin construction on the fourth building, the final building site on the peninsula, next year.

Ebenal has contracted with a dozen local subcontractors from the immediate area to perform the majority of work of Bellwether Building C. He anticipates that the building will be complete by the end of May.

The Port of Bellingham is a countywide special purpose government that focuses on economic development, job creation, operation of transportation terminals and waterfront projects. The port operates the Bellingham Airport and marinas in Blaine and Bellingham with moorage for 2,000 vessels. About 250 businesses operate on port property.